A Catharsis! | Community | tucson.com

Shabbat Friday night services often happened in a no-frills room. No Bimah (a platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read), Jewish religious symbols or the feeling of a sanctuary was present. Enter Bonnie Lasky and Jerry Lankin! Our February services began with the congregation entering the room to “Oohs and Aahs’’ coupled with disbelief. Quietly and even surreptitiously, Bonnie and Jerry engineered a backdrop to convey the meaning of B’nai Midbar through banners picturing our mountains and desert and even an ark in the middle! Emotions ran so high that Eliyanah Powers, our cantorial soloist, had tears in her eyes when she first saw the backdrop. Her voice that night was melodious and monumental. Rabbi Price smiled a bit more—if that is at all possible. Josh Nichols, our keyboardist, brought the melodies to us in a bright and spiritual way.

Our new prayer books made their debut at our February Shabbat services. Congregants expressed enthusiasm and excitement, as they turned fresh pages containing current liturgy, prayers and commentary. There is still an opportunity to contribute to this major undertaking. For more information, send an email to Jerry Lankin at [email protected].

We welcome you to join us for Shabbat services on Friday, April 25 to share the wonder and caring of our board, Rabbi Price, and Jeff Syden’s logistics team! This is a special Shabbat as there is not another service until we meet again in September for the High Holy Days!

March’s Oneg was sponsored by Peggy and Mark Albrecht, who celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to commemorate and sponsor a special occasion, memory or honor. April’s Oneg is sponsored by the B’nai Midbar Board honoring new members. This is a wonderful time to meet with friends and wish our snowbirds a safe journey to their cooler homes!

Oneg Celebrations: If you would like to sponsor an Oneg beginning September 2025 through April 2026, send an email to Judy Friedman at [email protected].

Aryeh Green: If you are lucky to get an early edition of our SaddleBrooke papers, you are aware of our speaker event and can attend on Thursday, March 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the DesertView Performance Arts Center. Aryeh Green is a well-known, dynamic, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and inspiring speaker. His reflection on and knowledge of Israel and the Middle East in Turmoil allow many to gain insight into the most pressing issues concerning Israel and the Jewish people. It’s not too late! Congregation B’nai Midbar is requesting contributions to cover our fees. If you are so inclined, your donation to B’nai Midbar, a 501(3)c non-profit, will be sincerely appreciated.

Dates to Remember

Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)

• Friday, March 21
• Friday, April 25

Celebratory Events

• Thursday, March 27 – Aryeh Green, a leading regional peace and democracy activist, will speak on Israel and the Middle East in Turmoil.
  • Sunday, April 13 — First B’nai Midbar Community Seder. Congregation B’nai Midbar Community Seder will be led by Rabbi Danny Price and Father Huy Vu, C.SS.R.

  Our seder is a collaboration to celebrate the freedom from slavery of the Israelites in Egypt. We encourage volunteers to help with preparing traditional Passover foods, setup and other activities. To volunteer, email Judi Friedman at [email protected]. For additional information and to secure your required reservation, also email Judi Friedman by Tuesday, April 1. The cost is $36 per person.

  Rabbi Price’s four education classes have concluded and were a huge success! We hope for more, as comments on his classes ranged from fabulous, informative and “I didn’t know that.” For more information, email Esta Goldstein at [email protected].

  Encouraging Torah Readers: Have you ever wanted to read and/or chant from the Torah? We encourage you to participate during services by chanting from the Torah. This is a special honor. Rabbi Price will help you along the way. For additional information, contact Joy Erickson at [email protected].

  You are an important part of what B’nai Midbar offers! Volunteers are always welcome. Select an area of interest, event or project. Your knowledge and time contribute to who we are and who we will become. For more information, email Joy Erickson at [email protected].

  If you haven’t heard, B’nai Midbar, formally known as IJSS, is celebrating 25 years since our founding. Our history can be seen on our website at Explore our new website and learn about us and what’s new!

  Congregation B’nai Midbar at SaddleBrooke is a congregation that provides individuals of all backgrounds the opportunity to celebrate, practice and learn from Jewish culture and religion in a welcoming and socially fulfilling environment. For information, send an email to Joy Erickson at [email protected].